Queensland Commits to Achieving 75 Percent Emissions Reduction Target by 2035
The government is aiming for 80 percent of the energy grid to be sourced from renewable sources by 2035.
The Miles Labor government has passed legislation solidifying a 75 percent reduction in climate change emissions by 2035.
This legislation also establishes goals for 80 percent renewable energy generation by 2035 and 50 percent by 2030.
While Liberal-National Party members supported the emissions targets, they did not support legislating them.
“This move is reinforced by strong measures to reduce emissions—with laws passed today to establish targets of 30 percent below 2005 levels by 2030, 75 percent below by 2035, and net zero by 2050.”
Opposition Voices Concerns About Cost for Average Families
The opposition expressed worries about the costs of electricity bills.
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“Aside from the economic benefits of our stance, we acknowledge the threat of climate change to our environment and the unique biodiversity of our state. We must strive for sustainability so that future generations of Queenslanders can enjoy the exceptional natural beauty that defines our state.”
Mr. O’Connor mentioned that the LNP had been working towards achieving net zero for years.
“To date, Queensland’s emissions have dropped by 29 percent compared to 2005 levels according to the most recent data from 2020-21. This gives the LNP confidence that there is a viable path towards achieving what this bill proposes,” he stated.
Shadow Energy Minister Deb Frecklington focused on the Energy (Renewable Transformation and Jobs) Bill 2023.
“The Liberal National Party supports the targets but cannot agree to legislating them without a credible plan to achieve them,” Ms. Frecklington remarked.
“The risks that Labor’s plan presents to the energy bills of Queenslanders are too significant, especially during Queensland’s cost-of-living crisis. Queenslanders should not have to bear that risk,” she added.
“The bill fails to account for the immense costs of the proposed infrastructure and its impact on taxpayers.”
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader David Crisafulli did not endorse the federal Liberal-National party’s push for nuclear energy.
‘Historic Day,’ Government Indicates
The approval of the legislation on April 18 was deemed a “historic day” in the Queensland parliament, as per the government’s statement.
Premier Steven Miles stressed the government’s duty to “secure the economic, social, and environmental prosperity of this state.”
He asserted that the energy and jobs plan will create 100,000 new job opportunities.
“Our goal for Queenslanders is to provide them with affordable, clean, dependable, renewable energy for themselves, their families, and their businesses. Now, we proceed with the task of implementation,” Mr. Miles stated.
“We will construct the necessary renewable energy generation and transmission facilities to power major industries in Gladstone, Mackay, Townsville, and Mt Isa.”
Minister for Energy and Clean Energy Jobs Mick de Brenni added, “Today signals to the world that Queensland is committed to taking real action on climate change while ensuring economic stability and prosperity for communities across the state.
The Response
Meanwhile, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson accused the LNP of yielding to the “cult of climate change.”
The Australian Conservation Foundation applauded the passing of the legislation but expressed concerns about the uncertainty surrounding renewable energy targets before an election.
“We also commend state LNP Opposition Leader David Crisafulli for supporting the 75 percent by 2035 emissions reduction target, but we are disappointed by the LNP’s decision to oppose the bill outlining the path to achieving it, including the new renewable energy targets.”
